Veteran pass rusher Preston Smith is planning a return to Washington, this time with the Commanders, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The move comes just days after starter Deatrich Wise Jr. suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury, leaving a major void along the defensive line.
Wise, who joined Washington on a one-year deal this offseason after spending his career with the New England Patriots, was injured during last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers. He tore his left quad while blocking on an extra-point attempt and was carted off the field. The Commanders have since placed him on injured reserve, officially ending his 2025 campaign.
Smith, 32, was originally drafted by Washington in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft and recorded 24.5 sacks in four seasons before departing in free agency. He went on to become a key defensive piece for the Green Bay Packers, where he posted multiple double-digit sack seasons and played in several playoff runs, and most recently suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Commanders are turning to Smith for his experience, durability, and pass-rush production. Over the course of his career, he has established himself as a reliable edge presence, rarely missing games and consistently generating pressure. With Wise sidelined, Washington is in need of a veteran who can contribute immediately while also helping mentor younger players in the rotation.
Contract details for Smith’s return have not yet been disclosed, and the team has not officially announced the signing. However, Fowler’s report indicates that Washington has acted quickly to address the sudden loss of a starting defensive end, with Smith poised to step back into the burgundy and gold where his NFL career first began.
